Following a public protest in Lafia, Nasarawa State, ActionAid Nigeria has strongly requested the immediate release of 38 people arrested by police for allegedly participating in the rally against the Supreme Court’s decision affirming Governor Abdullahi Sule’s election.
In an official statement issued on Monday, ActionAid Nigeria condemned the arrest and subsequent prosecution, describing it as a violation of the fundamental right to peaceful assembly and expression. The organisation emphasised the importance of protecting the right to peaceful protest, emphasising its critical role in a functioning democracy.
“In light of recent events in Nasarawa State, where the Police Command arrested 38 protesters in Lafia for alleged public disturbance following the Supreme Court’s judgement upholding the election of Governor Abdullahi Sule, ActionAid Nigeria strongly condemns any infringement on the right to peaceful assembly and expression.”
“The right to protest peacefully is a fundamental human right and an essential component of any functioning democracy. We are deeply concerned about reports that 38 individuals, including five males and 33 females, were arrested, charged, and remanded at the Lafia Custodial Centre for expressing their grievances against the Supreme Court judgment. Suppressing dissent and peaceful protests undermines the democratic principles that our nation holds dear,” the statement read.
“ActionAid Nigeria therefore demands that the state government and the Nigerian police force uphold the rights of these individuals to freely express their opinions without fear of intimidation or persecution. We urge the judiciary to ensure a fair and transparent process in handling the cases of the arrested individuals. Any denial of bail, if justified, should be based on clear legal grounds, and the judicial process should be conducted without prejudice,” they stated.
ActionAid Nigeria further declared its intent to closely monitor developments in Nasarawa State.
“We will closely monitor the developments in Nasarawa State and continue to demand the protection of the fundamental rights of all citizens.”
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